Looking to protect your scalp from harmful silicone and sulphate additives found in shampoo’s and conditioners? Not only can these ingredients lead to a dry scalp, but they can also strip your hair of its vibrant colour. Shop from our list of sulphate-free products below, and protect your hair from the harmful elements.

If your hair has just been freshly coloured, it’s best to keep your haircare routine as low-maintenance as possible. Avoid sulphate’s and silicone’s which can strip the colour from your hair, leaving it brittle and lifeless. Look for ingredients which contain vitamins and nutrients to give your hair extra shine.

Kiehl’s Since 1851 Sunflower Colour Preserving Shampoo, $27.59

The Conditioner

Treat your hair to a fortifying conditioner which will lock-in moisture, and leave it feeling super-smooth. Apply it onto your ends, and carefully comb through the product to remove any existing knots or tangles. Wash in cold water for best results, and pat your hair dry with a towel.

MooGoo Cream Conditioner, $17.50

The Dry Oil

Use a dry oil once a week to lock-in moisture, or simply apply it to your hair just like a mask. The concentrated particles help to soften split ends, and make your hair feel like brand new.

L’Occitane Shea Fabulous Dry Oil, $52.27

The Hair Mask

If your hair needs a bit of a pick-me-up, a hair mask is your best option. Not only does it help to strengthen and nourish the follicle, but it can repair damaged ends.

Sukin Protein Hair Treatment, $12.95

The Dry Shampoo

We all need a little dry shampoo once in a while, but it doesn’t need to dry-out our entire scalp. Luckily, Klorane is a lifesaver from the French pharmacy and it’s so affordable! Packed with oat extract (and without those nasty sulphate’s) to soothe hair from the outside.

How would you like to never pay or use shampoo ever again? A popular trend called co-washing is another way to wash your hair, which doesn’t involve the usual two to one ratio of shampoo and conditioner.

It basically means that you only use one product to condition and clean your hair, which is ultimately free from soap and harmful sulphates.

Originally created for curly or textured hair, co-washing or ‘conditioner washing’ has recently enjoyed much publicity in the YouTube community thanks to avid vloggers such as Claire Marshall.

What are the benefits?

One of the main reasons both men and women make the switch to co-washing is because it’s much gentler on textured hair. Since the formula is soap and sulphate-free, the condition of your hair is much sleeker, and frizz-free than usual. Although the process might take a bit of getting used to, it’s actually a much healthier way to preserve the natural state of your hair.

Who shouldn’t be co-washing?

Although co-washing is ideal for those with a natural curl or texture to their hair, this doesn’t mean it’s completely off limits to everybody else. If your hair is already straight and fine, co-washing won’t be of any additional benefit because your hair is mostly under control anyway.

If you suffer from chronic-frizz (this should probably be a real diagnosis for some of us!), then co-washing is an amazing way to control the amount of oil your head and scalp produces.

How can I get started?

Once you have identified if this is beneficial for your hair type, then you can finally start the early process of co-washing. To ensure that your hair won’t completely freak out, or if you suffer from an extremely oily scalp, it’s important to use a shampoo every second wash. Use a sulphate-free shampoo which won’y feel too harsh on hair which is chemically treated, or even human-hair extensions.

However, if you suffer from a dry scalp and find that this isn’t working if you, then the complete switch to co-washing will best suit you. Each wash gently cleanses the scalp without removing too much excess oil, and won’t leave your hair and scalp feeling too squeaky clean. If you want to get started and are looking for products, try these: